Progress four-slice toaster review

First impressions

For a four-slice toaster, the Progress's footprint on the counter-top is particularly small. The cord tucks away neatly around the base of this toaster, so depending on its distance from the plug, you can avoid the coiling of extra wire.

The outer is a basic design made of white plastic with two grey lever arms and variable browning dials, plus additional buttons for defrost, keep-warm and cancel options.

A top feature is the non-slip feet which keep the toaster steady on smooth work surfaces. The crumb trays are easy to remove and reload for cleaning.

Toasting results

The slots accommodated standard slices, bagels and fruit loaf well, toasting all to a rich golden brown on setting three. The additional settings get far hotter so seem a bit unnecessary. However, the defrost program is effective and also produced an even, lightly toasted slice.

It struggled with the larger slices. There was an inch left un-toasted on an extra-tall slice of bread. We also halved the thick-cut slices of artisan bread so as to fit them both in. However, the slots handled the width without problems. The slices pop up nice and high when toasted so the lack of a lever-lift isn't a problem.

Notable is that the plastic outer stays cool during toasting, which is particularly important for families and busy kitchens.

Is the Progress EK3394P four-slice toaster worth the money?

The Progress toaster has enough good qualities to outweigh the limits to its functionality and design. Affordability is what underpins that. For anyone on a budget looking for the convenience of a four-slices this model handles your average loaf and allows for personalisation in browning. The lack of a bagel setting would bother bagel connoisseurs, but for substance rather than style, this is a good one to consider.

Available from Amazon (£19.99)

Progress EK3394P toaster specifications
Cancel button: yes
Browning settings: 7
Extra features: reheat, defrost
Wattage: 1500w
Dimensions: 26.5 x 25.5 x 17.2cm
Weight: 7.5kg

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This review was last updated in February 2021. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at [email protected].

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